Akkihebbalu Narasimha Murthy Rao (16 June 1900 – 23 August 2003) was an Indian writer.

Kannadiga scholar and critic A. N. Murthy Rao, popularly known for his book "Devaru", was born on June 18, 1900, in Akkihebbal, Mandya district.

He also served as the Chairman of the Kannada Branch of the Southern Languages Book Trust and as a member of the Central Program Advisory Committee of All India Radio for four years.

His other works include "Hagala Kanasugalu", "Aleyuva Mana", "Minugu Minchu" (essay collections), "B.M.Shri", "Purushurugala Sannegalu", "Shakespeare", "Masthiyavaru Kathagalu" (critical works), "Ashadhabhooti", "Molyaire's 2 Plays", "Chandramaruta" (plays), and "Paschathya Sanna Kathagalu".

Accomplishments: As President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, he helped to integrate the organization with the government's Department of Literature and Culture.

He was a prolific writer and critic, and his work had a significant impact on Kannada literature.

He was a respected scholar and educator, and he played a major role in the development of Kannada literature and culture.